Newbie - Another Wax Question :)

[James1114]

Hello

This is my first post on here (not counting intro post). I've detailed my vehicles all my life but only recently began trying to learn more.

My my question is related to carnauba wax... I just purchased a new truck and this past weekend did a full detail inside and out. Focusing on the exterior for a sec., I did the following:

1. wash (Meguiar's Gold Classic)
2. clay bar (Meg's)
3. wash (Meg's Gold)
4. polish (Meg's Ultimate)
5. wax (Meg's Gold Classic)

I've read a ton of posts on here about synthetic vs. carnauba. I'm just curious outside of time lasting, if there are any downsides to using carnauba? Truthfully, I enjoyed being disconnected from my phone, etc. for a bit and just enjoyed being outside. I don't know that I mind having to wax more often when using carnauba. I am not opposed to synthetic...just really like that deep glow of carnauba.

This was my first time using Meg's Gold Classic products (used Meg's products before). I appreciate any responses...looking forward to being educated. On a side note, Meg's Gold Classic leather care was awesome...great product. Thank you.

[Stephan]

Re: Newbie - Another Wax Question

What color is your truck? Any photos?

[James1114]

Re: Newbie - Another Wax Question

Stephan

The truck is a deep red. It's a Dodge Ram. Working on pics.

[kiwiatlarge]

Re: Newbie - Another Wax Question

I say if you like the look of the Gold Class, just use the Gold Class... Most of us who take looking after the look of our cars seriously truth be told probably wax our cars more regularly than what we need to anyway...

I've tried and own different waxes from Meguiars and Mothers, it becomes almost addictive really.... depending on what way I hold the position of my head or put my finger to the breeze, I might prefer the look of one on one of my cars, and another on another of my cars... but unless I'm taking a car to a club event and putting it on display for the world to see, I don't get too caught up in the whole sealant vs wax thing... The cars always look bloody good regardless of what I put on them.. (for 24 hours at least)

[Stephan]

Re: Newbie - Another Wax Question

The only way you're going to find out if you like the syn look is by trying it. Pick up a bottle of Ult Wax and do a side by side on your door or another panel.

I've been using M26 carnauba over M21 synthetic and now for winter, just M21 (pro version of Meg's NXT 2.0 syn). The M21 takes a couple days to really mature IMO, and this is the first time I didn't top within 24 hrs with the carnauba. I'm liking it. Still, when weather permits, I need a good side by side after letting the syn cure for 2 days.

My car is black and deep red would look great with either Megs syn or carnauba, but only you can make the decision on what you like best.

[Top Gear]

Re: Newbie - Another Wax Question

Welcome to the forum, James I'm still kinda new myself.

The claims of how long one wax lasts over another are usually people comparing apples to oranges, often comparing one after the other and ignoring differences in weather and washing as each wax wears off. If someone has tested syn vs carnauba on the same car over the same time and with the same exposure and washings, I've yet to see it. I've used synwaxes by hand that lasted barely two weeks when you could tell they were washed off.

Since last year, I've used Gold Class and Meg's multi-step methods and LOVE it. I last waxed fully with a DA in February, apart from one rear panel and the nose section a few weeks ago. The way GC feels (and smells) when freshly applied is great, but no, that won't last terribly long for a non-garaged daily driver. Instead of re-waxing, though, which can introduce more spiderwebs if it's not a full correction, I simply use Gold Class Quik Detailer and Quik Wax with MF towels pretty much daily. Gold Class Quik Wax replenishes that original DA wax job very nearly as well as if I'd DA'ed it. Quik Wax doesn't last very long, either, depending on weather exposure and washing, so it can be a weekly-daily thing to keep the car protected and looking great. It's a hobby and joy

The upshot is that if the car is not really "dirty", I can dust and detail it up very quickly and take off for a cruise. It looks like I just did a full DA wax when I did not. Slightly dirtier and an aggressive rinse and leaf blower job will do nicely, then a touch-up with GCQD and GCQW. Dirtier still, and a regular two-bucket wash with a carnauba wash-n-wax is in order. I've gone along like that since February with no serious increase in spiderwebs. My paint/clear is very hard, though, and even a normal DA pass or two with Ultimate Compound will not remove the spiderwebs. Fortunately, the GC Quik Wax hides most of them when it is fresh.

Hope all that helps you!

[James1114]

Re: Newbie - Another Wax Question

Top Gear

Thanks for the info. Can you elaborate a little further on re-waxing causing spider webs if not a full correction?

I love the Gold Class wax. It went on easy and gave an incredible shine.

[jankerson]

Re: Newbie - Another Wax Question

Stephan

The truck is a deep red. It's a Dodge Ram. Working on pics.

If it's Red you might want to try M26, it loves Red Paint.

[BlackRam]

Re: Newbie - Another Wax Question

Welcome to the forum, James I'm still kinda new myself.

The claims of how long one wax lasts over another are usually people comparing apples to oranges, often comparing one after the other and ignoring differences in weather and washing as each wax wears off. If someone has tested syn vs carnauba on the same car over the same time and with the same exposure and washings, I've yet to see it. I've used synwaxes by hand that lasted barely two weeks when you could tell they were washed off.

Since last year, I've used Gold Class and Meg's multi-step methods and LOVE it. I last waxed fully with a DA in February, apart from one rear panel and the nose section a few weeks ago. The way GC feels (and smells) when freshly applied is great, but no, that won't last terribly long for a non-garaged daily driver. Instead of re-waxing, though, which can introduce more spiderwebs if it's not a full correction, I simply use Gold Class Quik Detailer and Quik Wax with MF towels pretty much daily. Gold Class Quik Wax replenishes that original DA wax job very nearly as well as if I'd DA'ed it. Quik Wax doesn't last very long, either, depending on weather exposure and washing, so it can be a weekly-daily thing to keep the car protected and looking great. It's a hobby and joy

The upshot is that if the car is not really "dirty", I can dust and detail it up very quickly and take off for a cruise. It looks like I just did a full DA wax when I did not. Slightly dirtier and an aggressive rinse and leaf blower job will do nicely, then a touch-up with GCQD and GCQW. Dirtier still, and a regular two-bucket wash with a carnauba wash-n-wax is in order. I've gone along like that since February with no serious increase in spiderwebs. My paint/clear is very hard, though, and even a normal DA pass or two with Ultimate Compound will not remove the spiderwebs. Fortunately, the GC Quik Wax hides most of them when it is fresh.

Hope all that helps you!

Can you elaborate how waxing over wax w/o a full correction can create spiderwebs? I wash my Black Ram weekly with 2 bucket method, Gold Class, Lambskin mitt, etc. "Instead of re-waxing, though, which can introduce more spiderwebs if it's not a full correction"
Where I live and being a daily driver my truck gets very dirty also I get alot of overspray with my job.
Thank you.

[jankerson]

Re: Newbie - Another Wax Question

The only way you're going to find out if you like the syn look is by trying it. Pick up a bottle of Ult Wax and do a side by side on your door or another panel.

I've been using M26 carnauba over M21 synthetic and now for winter, just M21 (pro version of Meg's NXT 2.0 syn). The M21 takes a couple days to really mature IMO, and this is the first time I didn't top within 24 hrs with the carnauba. I'm liking it. Still, when weather permits, I need a good side by side after letting the syn cure for 2 days.

My car is black and deep red would look great with either Megs syn or carnauba, but only you can make the decision on what you like best.

I would say ideally one should really use a Sealant like M21 (NXT) or Ultimate Wax, 2 coats as a base if they want to use a carnauba wax like GC or M26....

But then that's my opinion.

[James1114]

Re: Newbie - Another Wax Question

Forgive me for being a newbie, what do you mean by "full correction?" Also, how does waxing create spiderwebs? I use an orbital for removing the wax and then final wipe down with a microfiber.

[jankerson]

Re: Newbie - Another Wax Question

Forgive me for being a newbie, what do you mean by "full correction?" Also, how does waxing create spiderwebs? I use an orbital for removing the wax and then final wipe down with a microfiber.

Full Correction is removing all of the defects, swirls, scratches etc, usually in a 2 step process using a compound and polish.

Waxing can create swirls if the finish isn't completely clean so what happens is the pad or hand applicator will pick up the dirt or contaminates and abrade the surface creating swirls or scratches.

That's the reason why claying the surface before waxing or applying a sealant is highly recommended.

Now if the surface is in good shape then a quick detailer product or even better Finial Inspection could be and should be used before applying the wax or sealant.

[BlackRam]

Re: Newbie - Another Wax Question

Jankerson-
A little confused. If i use GC full wash 2 bucket method, etc, then dry it with a synthetic chamois and a leaf blower, am I safe to apply a new coat of wax onto the existing coat of wax that is there? Reason I would do that is I am a daily driver yet I want to keep the black shine and water beading. Note when i purchased the truck, I did a full claying before apply synthetic m21? (i didnt know how to do any compounding etc at that time).

[James1114]

Re: Newbie - Another Wax Question

BlackRam

I am in the same boat as you. I would think that method would "lessen" the chance of swirls. Also, what about applying a coat of Meg's Cleaner wax and then carnauba. Wouldn't that pull contaminants from the paint?

[Stephan]

Re: Newbie - Another Wax Question

am I safe to apply a new coat of wax onto the existing coat of wax that is there? Reason I would do that is I am a daily driver yet I want to keep the black shine and water beading. Note when i purchased the truck, I did a full claying before apply synthetic m21? (i didnt know how to do any compounding etc at that time).

Yes, it IS safe to wax if your truck is clean. You don't need to do a full M21 waxing every wash unless you rarely wash. How often do you wash?

You can use Ult Quik Wax (or d156 synthetic spray wax) after washes and in between wax jobs to maintain protection and get the look you want. You could also use an express wash and wax.